Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Touts Assam's Transformation Under BJP Leadership
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing a political rally in Tezpur on Tuesday, asserted that the BJP-led government has ushered in an era of "unprecedented development" in Assam by successfully restoring peace and stability across the state. He emphasized that this progress has been achieved through decisive policies that have significantly weakened militancy, terrorism, and naxalism throughout the region.
Mass Surrender of Militants Marks a Turning Point
Singh revealed a striking statistic, stating that more than 7,500 militants have voluntarily laid down their arms and reintegrated into the mainstream society in Assam. This mass surrender is being hailed as a testament to the effectiveness of the government's approach towards conflict resolution and rehabilitation.
"Whether it's terrorism, naxalism, or militancy, all these threats are heading towards their end under the Modi government," Singh declared confidently. He attributed this positive shift to the collaborative efforts between the central and state administrations, specifically praising Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for what he described as "magical" developmental strides.
Criticism Directed at Congress Party
In a sharp critique of the opposition, Rajnath Singh accused the Congress party of historically neglecting Assam and underestimating its potential. He pointed to recent criticisms of major development projects, such as the ambitious Rs 27,000-crore semiconductor plant in Jagiroad, as examples of Congress's skepticism towards progress.
Singh singled out Congress leader Priyank Kharge for remarks questioning the viability of the semiconductor plant, arguing that such attitudes reflect a broader pattern of dismissing Assam's capabilities. "Congress has abused the talent of Assam's youth," he asserted, suggesting that the party's outlook has hindered opportunities for the state's younger generation.
Addressing Key Issues: Encroachment and Immigration
The Defence Minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to reclaim land from encroachers, framing it as part of the government's commitment to lawful governance and resource management. On the contentious issue of illegal immigration, he issued a firm statement: "No illegal infiltrator will be able to stay in Assam." This declaration underscores the administration's stance on border security and demographic integrity.
Contrasting Treatment of Assam
Later, at a separate rally in Dergaon for BJP candidate Mridul Dutta, Singh contrasted the current government's approach with that of previous Congress regimes. He alleged that Congress had subjected Assam to "stepmotherly treatment," deliberately keeping it distant from the central power hub in Delhi. According to Singh, this perceived neglect ultimately led to voters rejecting the Congress party in favor of leadership that promises closer integration and focused development.
The rallies were part of the campaign for the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) candidate Prithiraj Rabha, with AGP contesting the assembly elections as a member of the BJP-led coalition. Singh's speeches aimed to consolidate support by highlighting achievements in peacebuilding, economic initiatives, and a proactive stance on regional security, while positioning the BJP coalition as the rightful heir to Assam's aspirational future.
